Roseburg, Ore. – Do you like taking pictures of the changing seasons in Douglas County? If so, you can showcase your images of adventure and natural beauty in the 2013 Land of Umpqua Amateur Photo Contest!

The Roseburg District, Bureau of Land Management and Umpqua National Forest will host a photo contest as part of a multi-agency exhibit at the 17th Annual Sportsmen's & Outdoor Recreation Show held February 15 to 17 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.

Contestants may enter up to two photos for each season: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. The deadline for all entries is Monday, February 4, by 4:30 p.m. at the BLM Roseburg District Office, 777 NW Garden Valley Blvd. Roseburg, OR 97471.

Booth organizers will display the entries at the Sportsmen's Show so that visitors can vote for their favorite two photos in each category. The top three photos for each category will receive prizes which include sporting goods, gift certificates and camping passes.

Roseburg, OR ̶ The restroom facility located at the Susan Creek Day-Use Area, 28 miles east of Roseburg on Highway 138, will be closed until further notice.A recent failure of the septic system has made this closure necessary. Repairs will begin as soon as weather conditions allow, and it is unknown at this time how long this closure will last. Visitors to the area may still use the vault toilet across the street at the Susan Creek Falls Trailhead.For further information, please contact Cheyne Rossbach at (541) 464-3245.

Roseburg, OR- Another year’s campaign is done, and another fantastic year of sharing for local and nationwide charities by the employees of the BLM’s Roseburg District Office. During the six-week Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) that ran from October through November, 2012, BLM Roseburg employees raised $25,562.75 for local, national, and international non-profit organizations. These funds were gathered through creative employee-driven events such as a carnival games with donated fabulous prizes, a flea market, breakfast burritos, a bake sale, a coin drive, and the grand finale the CFC Auction. The auction was the big fundraiser, raising $19,471.00. Relying primarily on contributions from BLM employees and their families, this year’s donations included handmade jewelry, gift certificates to local businesses, and many homemade goods and handcrafted items. BLM Roseburg Acting District Manager, Don Holmstrom, said, “It’s really something to see the generosity of the Roseburg District, that with continued economic difficulty for many, BLM employees step up to give back even more to the great community here in Douglas County, and I know BLM is proud to be a part of it.” Since 1977, the BLM Roseburg District has raised $534,237.89 through the CFC. Locally, the Greater Douglas County United Way administers the CFC campaign for Federal offices located in Coos, Curry, and Douglas County. Throughout the country and internationally, more than 300 CFC campaigns help to raise millions of dollars for charity. Pledges made by Federal, civilian, postal, and military donors during the campaign season support eligible non-profit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is currently involved in Resource Management Planning (RMP) on more than 2.5 million acres in western Oregon. The revisions to the existing RMPs will determine how these BLM-administered lands will be managed to further the recovery of threatened and endangered species, to provide for clean water, to restore fire-adapted ecosystems and to produce a sustained yield of timber products. Recreation and visitor services will also play a role throughout this planning effort so the BLM is asking the public to answer several planning questions related to recreation area management and Wild and Scenic Rivers. Comments must be submitted by Feb. 18, 2013.

There were 5.4 million recreation visits on western Oregon BLM lands in 2011. These numbers combined with recreation-specific issues identified in scoping efforts has led to the need for additional recreation outreach. The public continues to demand a diverse range of recreational opportunities in a variety of natural resource settings. Feedback from the public would help the BLM evaluate current recreational experiences and public demand for recreation.

“I’m proud to know that lands under BLM stewardship provide meaningful contributions to the quality of life for communities and residents across western Oregon.” said BLM Oregon/Washington State Director Jerome E. Perez. “These lands are both the frontier and our backyard-where you can play, escape, and reconnect with the outdoors.”

Web based interactive sites have been created to engage the recreation community and to assist the BLM answer several planning related questions that were raised during the public scoping period. These surveys will be active for a 70 day period (Dec. 10 through Feb. 18), and can be accessed at:

http://www.blm.gov/or/plans/rmpswesternoregon/reccomments.php and http://www.blm.gov/or/plans/rmpswesternoregon/rivercomments.php

In addition to web based outreach tools, the BLM will be holding District specific open houses across Western Oregon to engage the public and receive input specific to the recreation components being analyzed as part of this planning effort. The dates and locations for these open houses are currently being identified and will be posted at the following link: http://www.blm.gov/or/plans/rmpswesternoregon/index.php

The BLM encourages you to get involved and help plan for the future as we look at defining the role that recreation plays on BLM lands throughout western Oregon. For more information please contact Zach Jarrett, recreation representative for the Resource Management Planning team at zjarrett@blm.gov or (503) 931-6184.

Roseburg, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is planning to use cattle to grazeapproximately 1,176 acres within the North Bank Habitat Management Area (NBHMA) beginning in late December 2012. The NBHMA is situated approximately three miles southeast of Sutherlin,Oregon, along North Bank Road.The grazing is intended remove thatch and stimulate new growth in order to improve forage for the Columbian white-tailed deer. The BLM began test grazing in December 2011. The grazing hasshown encouraging results, and BLM plans to expand its use this year.The project has been designed in cooperation with the Oregon Department of Fish Wildlife, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Sandberg Family Ranch.Currently, BLM employees, a Phoenix School youth work crew, and members of the Sandbergfamily are constructing gates and temporary electric fences. If you are recreating in the area, please make sure to close and latch gates and keep dogs under close control in the vicinity of livestock.For more information about the Roseburg BLM visit:http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/roseburg/index.phpFurther information about the NBHMA can be found at the following page:http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/roseburg/north_bank.php

Roseburg, Ore. – Do you like taking pictures of the changing seasons in Douglas County? If so, you can showcase your images of adventure and natural beauty in the 2013 Land of Umpqua Amateur Photo Contest!

The Roseburg District, Bureau of Land Management and Umpqua National Forest will host a photo contest as part of a multi-agency exhibit at the 17th Annual Sportsmen's & Outdoor Recreation Show held February 15 to 17 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.Contestants may enter up to two photos for each season: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. The deadline for all entries is Monday, February 4, by 4:30 p.m. at the BLM Roseburg District Office, 777 NW Garden Valley Blvd. Roseburg, OR 97471.Booth organizers will display the entries at the Sportsmen's Show so that visitors can vote for their favorite two photos in each category. The top three photos for each category will receive prizes which include sporting goods, gift certificates and camping passes.For more information, contact Cheyne Rossbach at (541) 464-3245 or crossbac@blm.govContest Rules:1. Photos must be taken on, or of, public lands in the Umpqua Basin (Douglas CountyParks, Roseburg BLM land or Umpqua National Forest land) within the last two years2. A hardcopy 5-inch by 7-inch photograph is required for the contest3. Photos may be color or black and white4. Photographs may not be enhanced digitally except for cropping and contrast5. Submit up to 2 photos per category (8 photo maximum)6. Please include name, telephone number, email address, location, and category selected onthe back of each photo or on an accompanying notecard7. Photos submitted electronically will not be accepted.8. No framed or matted photos9. Photos entries must be mailed or delivered to the following address no later thanWednesday, February 4, at 4:30 p.m.,ATTN: Photo ContestRoseburg District BLM777 Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97471Telephone: (541) 464-324510. Photos will be voted on by visitors at the Sportsmen’s Show during the event with votingto end on Sunday, February 17, at 4 p.m.11. Winners will be notified and posted on the agencies’ websites12. The photos become property of the event organizers and may be used by the sponsoringagencies in future publications, websites or programs13. Agencies reserve the right to limit the number of photos displayed for voting due to spaceconstraints of the booth14. Contest is open to novice and amateur photographersThe BLM manages more land – 245 million surface acres – than any other Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western States, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.

It’s Christmas Tree Permit Season! Roseburg, Ore. – Christmas tree permits will be available from the Bureau of Land Management’s Roseburg District Office from November 19, through December 24, 2012. The cost for a single tree up to 12 feet high is $5.00. There is a limit of three trees per household. No commercial permits will be issued. The permit tag authorizes purchasers to cut their own tree(s) on a self-serve basis in either the Swiftwater or South River Resource Areas. Permits and maps are available at the Roseburg BLM Office, located at 777 N.W. Garden Valley Blvd. Office hours are from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Other locations are Myrtle Creek City Hall, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the U.S. Forest Service Office in Glide (North Umpqua Ranger District) from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For additional information, please contact the Roseburg BLM office at 440-4930, or visit us online at: http://www.blm.gov/or/faq/\Or check out the short video about purchasing a Christmas tree at the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIcSuTf-7Es

Roseburg, Ore. Over 60 volunteers this year turned out to support the 10th Annual Cow Creek Byway Cleanup effort, in conjunction with National Public Lands Day. Volunteers removed over 2,400 pounds of garbage, 15 tires, three TVs, one couch and one air conditioning unit. Materials were collected south of Riddle, Oregon along the Cow Creek Back Country Byway, managed by the Roseburg District Bureau of Land Management.“This year was simply fantastic,” said Ariel Hiller, Volunteer Coordinator for BLM. “We had such a wonderful turnout from the community. I want to especially thank Jake Eyre with the South County Teen Leadership Project, Holly Lawton, Thomas Condra, Dwayne Hicks and Raven Pool who worked as student leaders that ran the cleanup and did an excellent job!”Special thanks also goes to Robert Paul, Director of Douglas County Public Works for donating disposal fees for the cleanup effort, Randy Gunn and Russell Hobson with Riddle High School and Noel Schaak with Canyonville Christian Academy for bringing enthusiastic students that brushed out trails, removed invasive species and picked up litter. Marty Warner, Boy Scouts of America volunteer coordinator facilitated involvement of two Boy Scout Troops. We also had local prospectors, and residents that came out to help.“It’s really something that this group was able to pick up 2,400 lbs of garbage in just four hours, covering over 20 miles of the Byway.” Said Hiller, “I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish next year with such great community leadership from our youth!”To see a video short of this year’s cleanup effort, check us out on YouTube at the following link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgIgE1RnjEkFor more information about the Roseburg BLM, please visit the following site:http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/roseburg/index.php

Roseburg, Ore. After enjoying a summer of recreation along Cow Creek, let’s come together to help keep it clean! Support your community and take care of an area that we all enjoy by joining us September 22 at 9:00 a.m. at the Island Creek Day Use Area along the Cow Creek Back Country Byway. Island Creek is about 10 miles south of Riddle, Oregon along the Cow Creek Back Country Byway.The Tenth Annual Cow Creek Byway Cleanup is held this year in conjunction with the South County Teen Leadership Project and Riddle High School. “Although we’ve had student participation from Riddle High School in the past, this is the first time that student leaders are actively running the clean-up,” said Ariel Hiller, Volunteer Coordinator for BLM. “When you volunteer for this event, you support your community and the county’s upcoming leaders. BLM is committed to developing our future leaders and hopes this clean-up partnership continues into the future,” continued Hiller.Please join us for a fall day of fun along the Cow Creek Back Country Byway. Bring water, sturdy shoes, snacks, and work gloves. BLM will provide grabbers and trash bags. Volunteers may receive a free federal day use area coupon for participation in the cleanup. Work begins at 9:00 a.m. and will end by early afternoon. Additional information about the BLM is available online at: http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/roseburg/index.phpFor more information: Ariel Hiller 541.464.3356 or ahiller@blm.gov

BLM and ODOT Closures Planned for Work on Tioga Bridge ProjectRoseburg, Ore. – The Roseburg District, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will temporarily close a portion of the North Umpqua River to rafters and fishermen, August 20-25, 2012, during construction and setting of the Tioga Bridge over the North Umpqua River.As construction continues on the Tioga Bridge near mile post 28, along Highway 138, workers will utilize a large crane to lift and set bridge sections onto foundations and piers in the river. All rafting and floating on the river between Susan Creek put-in to Baker Wayside will be closed during this period to ensure safety of the public during crane lifting operations and final assembly of the bridge structures. In addition, fly-fishing will also be restricted two hundred yards up and down stream of the Tioga Bridge construction site during that time period. Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) expects delays between 20 and 30 minutes on Highway 138 during the bridge setting. The Tioga Bridge construction site is located 28 miles east of Roseburg, OR, along Highway 138.For further information, please contact the Roseburg District BLM at (541) 440-4930. For Further information on recreation opportunities on BLM, visit us on the web at:http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/roseburg/recreation/index.php

BLM to Begin Maintenance Work at Swiftwater Day Use Area in August Roseburg, Ore. – The Roseburg District Bureau of Land Management will temporarily close a portion of the Swiftwater Day Use area parking lot and the restrooms located near the fish platform, August 13-17. The closure is being done to allow work crews to complete sidewalk and parking lot repairs. There will be roughly half of the normal available parking at the day use area during maintenance. Parking and restrooms are available across the bridge at the Swiftwater Trailhead parking area for the North Umpqua Trail. The fish platform located below the bridge at the Swiftwater Day Use Area will still be accessible, however members of the public will need to walk a dirt path running next to the main walkway until work is complete. The Swiftwater Day Use Area is located 22 miles east of Roseburg, OR, along highway 138.For further information, please contact the Roseburg District BLM at (541) 440-4930. For Further information on recreation opportunities on BLM, visit us on the web at:http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/roseburg/recreation/index.php

About the Salmon River Mountain Press

The Salmon River Mountain Press shares news from federal and state natural resource agencies, environmental, conservation and recreation groups in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. The blog delivers the content one news story at a time.